139 West Merrimack Street, Unit 3Manchester, NH 03101Price: $215,000

Want to be in the middle of it all? Originally established as housing for the Amoskeag Mills, Brookchester Row condos are now at the heart of the city's burgeoning cultural and culinary scene. This third-floor studio unit welcomes in plenty of southern light, which your pets will enjoy basking in (yes, the condos are pet friendly!), and you have nice bird's-eye view of the city landscape. The living room is pretty spacious, with an alcove for a bed (a Murphy bed would be great here), and the eat-in kitchen is roomy enough for a couple of cooks. Don't feel like cooking? You've got a universe of great restaurants within walking distance, not to mention a wonderful bookstore, Ben & Jerry's, bars, bakeries, and The Palace and Rex Theaters as well as the SNHU Arena. You're also just a stroll away from Victory Park and the Doubletree Hilton for indoor and outdoor events, and the baseball stadium along the river. Rentals are allowed at these condos, and the building offers coin-op laundry in the basement and one off-street parking space, and permit street parking for a second vehicle is available through the city. Water, sewer, trash, and snow removal are included in the modest condo fee. Start smart--begin your homeownership journey here, and keep the unit for your portfolio as you move up and out, or keep it as a pied a terre as you travel the world!